Why do we have to pay the french tolls?

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Graham I

Most (but not all) UK motorways are constructed and paid for by the government, so this is funded by taxpayers (people who happen to live in the UK, whether or not they make use of these highways). French intercity autoroutes are constructed and paid for by private companies in return for a licence to operate them as toll roads for a fixed period of time, and so these are paid for by the users (people who use the autoroutes, whether or not they happen to live in France). It strikes me that the French system is fairer.

Note that in addition to certain bridges and tunnels the UK does now have one motorway (M6toll) which operates exactly like a french autoroute.

Jody W

cos they have more a of a clue on how to run their country, surely you should be annoyed at the english for not coming up with such a good idea...? perhaps it's lack of simple but clever levies like that are part of the reason our government can't afford to run our country?

Emma B

If the French have to pay then so do the English. If you are not prepared to pay the money use the smaller roads like everyone else. It doesnt add that much time to your journey. Also they do pay our tolls when in UK such as congestion charges and toll bridges.

Oh and if you dont like the "bloody French" don't visit France I am sure they wont be too bothered.

Knownow't

I thought the French had to pay the tolls in England....since when did they not have to???

jean marc l

FIRST IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT stay in the uk.second we have a system of motorways which work not like in england where you only get cones.as for taxes on cars we also pay even more than you.next before you ask such a silly question do a bit of research young girl

beverley1156

Because you do! Unlike UK where anyone can bring their vehicles onto our roads in an unroadworthy condition,possibly un insured and for an indefinate period,The French etc make sure foreigners pay! Good for them,we should do the same,it may bring down the accident figures and the amount WE pay!

U_S_S_Enterprise

Why do we, mainland europeans, have to pay for british trains?
I mean, we pay taxes for our own trains - yes?

And no, i`m not french.

If you don`t like it, avoid france - it`s simple. Go through Holland, or Belgium, or Spain.
C`est tres simple ;)

Seriously though - there are roads in France, called Payage, that are NOT government maintained, but by commercial companies. This explains the tolls. There are ways to avoid it though. But, that will mean longer travels, or bad roads.

bettina

If you don't want to pay the tolls, use the N roads. they are lovely to drive on and you pass through little villages where you can find the plat de jour in lovely old auberges and enjoy the trip. I must say I didn't find the toll roads that expensive for the distance covered, and I was driving a 6 wheel motor caravan which is loaded anyway. Have you been over the Severn Bridge lately ВЈ5.10 for a car.

Joe 90

You use the road, you pay for it. Sounds very fair to me.

Magic Bus Driver

You don't have to pay them if you don't use the toll roads.

Why do we have to pay so much for truffles?

Same answer.

helen b

You don't need to pay if you don't use the roads.
The French do pay road tolls here to cross bridges etc. They also have to pay the Congestion Charge in London.

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